Oct 9 The Summer Wives

Book Review - The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams

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When I saw that Book of The Month offered The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams as one of their options for the month of July, I was so excited to see an author I recognized. Some of the fun with BOTM is that I learn about new books that I wouldn't have heard of otherwise, which, in turn, introduces me to new authors. But I get super excited when I see an author I know and love getting the recognition they deserve. I first became familiar with Beatriz when I read her book The Wicked City (click here for my review of this book.)

Reading The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams at GlenMark Farms

True to form, I listened to The Summer Wives via Audible. This was one of the BEST performances I've ever heard by an audiobook narrator. I want to make a major shoutout to Kristin Kalbli - I just adored listening to her narrate this story. I'm going to miss the characters that her voice brought to life. She had such great, subtle accents for the different characters. I say this often, but it is worth repeating...listening to books via audible is risky. The book could be great but the audiobook narrator may not do it justice. But in this case, Kristin Kalbli did a phenomenal job and really brought the book to life. If you're a newbie to audiobooks, start with this one. You'll be hooked.

Reading The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams at GlenMark Farms

The Summer Wives is about Miranda Schuyler (pronounced Skyler), who moves to Winthrop Island when her mother marries Hugh Fisher. She befriends the lighthouse keeper's son, Joseph Vargas, and later they develop a romantic relationship. But by the end of the summer Hugh Fisher is dead and Jospeh is accused of his murder. The book flashes back and forth between the summer of 1951 when Miranda first arrives at Winthrop Island and 1979 when she returns to the Island for the first time since that summer. She is escaping her life as a famous actress and Joseph has escaped from prison.

Reading The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams at GlenMark Farms

GlenMark Farms in New Town at St. Charles hosted this great photo session in their apple orchard and sunflower fields. I love how the green leaves of the apple trees perfectly match the green of the book cover. I can easily imagine that Winthrop Island would be a place that would have beautiful apple orchards, and probably a community festival for apple picking, making apple butter, and more. That is the kind of small-town, simple-life activity that I think Miranda craves. What do you think, Beatriz?

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive compensation if you make a purchase using this link. Thank you for supporting this blog and the books I recommend! I may have received a book for free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.